More than 300 Captives Freed From Boko Haram
Over 300 captives, mainly women and children, were freed from Boko Haram in July.
We give thanks to God that 331 people have been rescued from Boko Haram in Sambisa forest. Among them is Ihyi Abdul, one of the Chibok girls, and her three children.
According to Nigerian news the military handed over 331 people who were rescued from Sambisa forest to the Borno State Governor. This rescue was part of an ongoing initiative in the north-east called Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Ihyi Abdul, now 27 years old, shared in a statement that she walked for days before reaching a military checkpoint “where they took me and my children in”. She continued by giving a glimpse into what life inside Boko Haram camps look like for women, sharing: “I married eight men and gave birth to three children for different husbands.”
“The plight of the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity necessitated the conduct of military operations deep into the terrorists’ enclaves with the aim of facilitating their release,” Brig. Gen. Abubakar Haruna said, promising that “OPHK will continue to do its best to rescue the remaining Chibok girls in line with the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.”
A spokesperson for Open Doors field work in Sub-Saharan Africa said “We are thankful for the rescue of Boko Haram abductees. The international community should urge the Nigerian Government to continue its efforts to liberate the hostages held by Boko Haram, including Leah Sharibu and all Chibok girls who remain in captivity.
“We extent our deepest appreciation to the many Open Doors supporters and the Body of Christ across the globe who persevere in prayer for those who have been kidnapped. This is the request that we receive from parents and families of those who have been kidnapped over and over – ‘please do not stop praying for us, for our children and our families. Pray that we will be reunited with them again in this life’.”
It is not clear how many of the freed captives are Christians and how many are Muslims, but we are equally thankful for everyone’s safe return.
Nigeria ranks number 6 on the most persecuted countries in the world.
Photo: Families of Chibok girls gather earlier this year to mark the tenth anniversary of their kidnapping.
